Many of us grew up on Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Crackers. Invented in Germany, the crackers were introduced to the U.S. in 1962 by Pepperidge Farm founder Margaret Rudkin (the company is now owned by Campbell Soup Company).

In the 50 years since, Goldfish Crackers have been made in more than 15 flavors and even into different shapes: starfish, Christmas trees and beachballs, for example.

Now, the company has introduced a new snack cracker to its lineup. It’s a more sophisticated concept for an adult audience, but kids will still enjoy the groovy shape and lively flavors.

Jingos! (the exclamation point is part of the brand’s name) are baked and “seasoned twice for an explosive taste every time.” While we’re not sure about the name (more about that below), we do like the snappy, crunchy crackers, made in three flavors:

Fiesta Cheddar

Lime & Sweet Chili

Parmesan Garlic

Jingos are fun crackers for snacks and garnishes. Photo by Elvira Kalviste | THE NIBBLE.

Snack from the box, dip them into plain yogurt, use them as salad croutons, serve them with soup.

Like Goldfish, you get a lot of crackers per one-ounce serving: 23 small crackers per serving, 140 calories.

Larger than Goldfish, Jingos! are the size of a Frito chip. That’s a lot of crunching: You may be more than satisfied with half a serving.

Vaguely knowing of the expression, “By jingo!” we headed to the dictionary.

According to Dictionary.com, a jingo is a bellicose chauvinist: a person who professes his or her patriotism loudly and excessively, favoring vigilant preparedness for war and an aggressive foreign policy.

The term “jingoism,” an attitude of belligerent nationalism (chauvinism), apparently originated in England during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78. The British Mediterranean squadron was sent to Gallipoli to restrain Russia and war fever was aroused.

The phrase, “by jingo,” appeared in the refrain of a popular song: “We don’t want to fight, yet by jingo, if we do, We’ve got the ships, we’ve got the men, And got the money, too!”

As a result, supporters of the British government’s policy toward Russia came to be called jingos.

What this has to do with crackers, we must leave to Pepperidge Farm to explain.